Like most of you, I happened upon David unexpectedly, almost 4 years ago. And again, like most of you, it didn’t take long to to know that he was someone very special with a voice that captivated everyone who was lucky enough to hear him sing and possessed a smile that could warm the hardest of hearts. What struck me in those early days was how intrigued I was with this shy young man, how much he meant to me in a short amount of time and how he was unlike anyone I had ever heard and seen on television before with his undeniable talent and humbleness.
I was very content being able to watch David through Idol, week after week, learning more about him as the show progressed. In the very early days, I feared that when the show ended, I’d never hear about him again, lose track of his career and he would fade into the distance. Later, when I realized that would probably not happen, I feared he would become so popular I’d never get to see him at all.
Luckily for all of us, neither of those scenarios took place. David’s career took off with 6 tours after Season 7, and he was actually more accessible and he’d often remember people by name and city. He was not only our Idol, but someone we felt like we had gotten to know over the course of time. He did his best to keep fans informed with twitter and vlogs and we kept each other up to date on fansites with youtube and recaps.
So here’s the deal.
I feel incredibly honored to have been able to watch public David since the beginning. Just like with members of my own family, including my son and grandchildren, their paths are theirs alone to discover and to follow, as David’s is, for him. The excitement for me is watching the journey unfold and seeing them take on the world, each in their own special way. There is much to be learned from observing without expectations; it has allowed me to take in all that has happened over the last 4 years with nothing but a sense of complete joy and feeling blessed just for the sake of witnessing it. To have watched David from that first audition then through the Idol process, attend concerts during his solo tour, buy his CDs, attend MoTab and MKoC shows, to have been present in those moments, fills me with gratitude. He’s given me decades of great music music and amazing experiences in 4 short years.
Just as my working hours are not my entire life but a portion thereof, I’ve never lost sight that David’s career is his public life, not his life. He’s shared his music, his smile, his thoughts, his effervescent positive attitude more than any artist I’ve ever know. Once, while talking to a fan on the phone (trying to hook up a ticket exchange between fans thousands of miles apart), she expressed to me that watching and listening to David were the only parts of her day that didn’t hurt. I knew exactly what she meant and I believe that’s true for many of us. I suspect that’s why it’s so difficult to say, “see you later, David” even if we support his decision completely.
We all know that David likes songs with messages, whether they’re his own or covers, but I have to say that I’ve never learned more about him or from him than that night in Salt Lake City when he made the announcement. He displayed wisdom and courage not only from what he was saying, but how he said it.
During this latest tour, especially during the vips, David made a point of telling the fans how grateful he was for everything we’ve done, I’d like to say to him in return, “You’re welcome, sir, the pleasure was all mine.”
Perfectly said Janey.
Wish this could be a sticky at the top of the site.
marc(Quote)
Haha, thanks, marc.
Doc must have heard you.
janey(Quote)
What ever Marc says goes
Thank you for the wonderful post Janey … love your writing <3
ArchieFanDoc-AFS(Quote)
marc is a force to be reckoned with.
janey(Quote)
<3
karenkid(Quote)
Back at cha <3.
janey(Quote)
SO well said Janey, thank you. You speak for a lot of us. He is one very special young man. I too wish him well but will miss that voice,smile,blogs and just the person that he is. Can you imagine that first show when he returns. OH MY GOODNESS! We’ll be waiting David.
Gwen(Quote)
I’ll be the first to get tickets!
janey(Quote)
Excellent post!!!
Janey you Rock!
David truly showed wisdom and courage as he made the announcement of his mission. He stood there knowing that it wasn’t going to please everyone yet knowing this is exactly what he needed for him at this time of his life. I love that he listens to that feeling he gets and answers when if calls. He is one amazing young man! I believe that when David returns from his mission he will be even better than he is now. (which is amazing in itself – he is pretty darn amazing now)
I personally am grateful for fans (friends) like you who see that David has given and given to us for 4 years and are able to let David have his time for what he wants to do. Love you lady!!!
gemzone(Quote)
I’m completely in awe of how he announced it…so perfect, wasn’t it?
Luv ya’ too <3!
janey(Quote)
David you have made a very lonely life happy,you are amazing. Like everyone else I have followed you from American Idol and loved every minute of it. THANK YOU FOR LETTING US SHARE YOUR JOURNEY.. I HAVE TO SAY I AM SORRY FOR SAYING SOMETHING A FEW DAYS AGO. I SAID I FELT LIKE WE WERE LOSING YOU. I KNOW WE DON’T OWN YOU,BUT YOU WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.I HAVE ALWAYS SAID YOU MAKE MY HEART SMILE. IT IS NOT SMILING THESE DAYS,BECAUSE IT IS FILLED WITH PRIDE FOR BEING A FOREVER FAN OF DAVID ARCHULETA. WE WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU DAVID ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
PAT(Quote)
Awwwww, Pat, it’s gonna be ok. I promise ♥.
janey(Quote)
Janey, this is lovely. As much as I know I will miss david while he’s gone, I also know that he has given me and my family more in the last 4 years than could ever be repaid. We’ve traveled more than we ever had, we’ve bought many albums, ( its embarrassing to even count the number of times I have Crush downloaded on my iPod, haha), we’ve been to bus signings, book signings, concerts, bought merchandise( if his face is on it, I need it) , etc just like so many other fans. We chose to do those things, not just to support david, but also because it makes us very happy. I am so glad, and proud that he always makes the decisions that he feels are best for him. That takes guts!
You always seem to say what i mean, but can’t quite get out! hugs, emily
emilyluvsarchie(Quote)
“We chose to do those things, not just to support david, but also because it makes us very happy.” Out of the mouth of babes ♥
Hugs to you and all the lovely Harmons <3!
janey(Quote)
Amen. You said it perfectly.
amy (inVA)(Quote)
Thank you
janey(Quote)
Janey: you really captured in words what a lot of us feel about David!! Thanks for writing this!
sunny(Quote)
You’re very welcome
janey(Quote)
Thank You Janey for expressing so well what so many of us feel. I know David needs to follow his calling and I know those he will meet will benifit from their involvement with this fine young man.
I like to focus on what all I’ve gained from David and his wonderful fans such as yourself rather than the loss. I thank all those that have taken pictures,made videos, kept the fan sites going for us to enjoy not only during this last four years but for the upcoming years. I’ll always cherish the concerts,Motab, VIP’s,ustreams and those I’ve met at the shows.
Bless you and Bless David
Heidijoy(Quote)
“I like to focus on what all I’ve gained from David and his wonderful fans such as yourself rather than the loss. Me too, me tooo.
Thank you very much.
janey(Quote)
Thanks, Janey. I really appreciated your words.
8throwcenter(Quote)
yw
janey(Quote)
Beautiful post Janey! I loved every word and I agree 1 million %. I appreciate you and your friendship so much
)
Michelle(Hazeleyd71)(Quote)
Fanships forever <3.
janey(Quote)
Couldn’t have said it better myself Janey. I loved it! God Bless!
Kristin(Quote)
Thank you!
janey(Quote)
Hi Janey!!
Thank you…Beautifully said…I was especially touched by the fan who told you that the only parts of her day that didn’t hurt were those spent watching and listening to David…it seems that I am most animated when talking about one of David’s concerts that I’ve attended or what the latest “David” related story of the day is…in my heart I know that like the song says, for any one of us, the road is long with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where, who knows when…keeping that in mind, I feel so blessed to have had my road include my incredible “David” experience and to have felt the tremendous joy that I’ve felt throughout this experience… my sincere hope is that David finds peace and joy in whatever he has chosen to do and wherever he chooses to do it because I believe that ultimately his happiness is paramount and that he is entitled to have a “life” – and my hope is that it will be the life that he so richly deserves!!
sharon g
SharonG(Quote)
“my sincere hope is that David finds peace and joy in whatever he has chosen to do and wherever he chooses to do it because I believe that ultimately his happiness is paramount and that he is entitled to have a “life” – and my hope is that it will be the life that he so richly deserves!!
That is my hope, too.
janey(Quote)
Thanks Janey. THIS –> “she expressed to me that watching and listening to David were the only parts of her day that didn’t hurt.” I’m really proud of him for following his heart all the time and will be waiting for him to get back. I’m really gonna miss him though for two years. He brought so much joy into my life. Can’t thank him enough.
Patty-Ann(Quote)
I approve of David’s heart decisions. So far, they’ve gotten him to a pretty good place
janey(Quote)
Thank Janey! You have expressed very well what many of us are feeling. So proud of David and his courage to follow his heart! His example and music are a blessing in my life.
MunkFOD(Quote)
I’m really glad David understands that the example he sets is watched by many. He seems to accept the responsibility graciously.
janey(Quote)
i love this post… it made me cry, but i still love it. thanks, janey.
moose(Quote)
Have a tissue, buddy ♥
janey(Quote)
Thanks for the wonderful words….comfort to all of us….It’s amazing from the comments how much David’s journey has affected so many. I’m sure what is to come from David in the future will mean even more to an ever increasing number of people, for I believe this Mission will not only serve to spread his faith and goodness to others, but also for David to further discover the artist and person he wants to be. I really look forward to it.
RD(Quote)
Awww, you’re welcome
janey(Quote)
Beautifully said, my dear friend. I love your comparison of watching David direct his life like watching your own family. That’s how I feel. I’m so happy to support and encourage my own family to seek inspiration and follow their hearts in their journeys in life, and am glad that David does that too – so well. I love his example of courage and strength. I love to watch his announcement, because I feel that he has gained confidence and maturity in knowing what God wants him to do and choosing to follow that path. What a blessing it has been, also, to have made so many great friends in this 4 year adventure.
Thank you so much. <3
MaryinProvo(Quote)
I haven’t been able to watch the announcement again, but after only witnessing it once, I saw the confidence and maturity, too.
janey(Quote)
Thanks Janey because I relate to what you had written. I will miss him very much and more when I have the opportunity to watch him act in a TV series and then poof, he is gone from the limelight. I pray for his safety to places he will go. God bless David Archuleta, you are one special person.
Au(Quote)
We’ll all miss him but it’s easier to deal with it when you consider how appreciative he is of all of us and how much going on a mission means to him. His aunt stopped by the hotel lobby in SLC after the show and said this was a long time dream of his.
janey(Quote)
Thanks Janey.. Glad David is doing what makes him happy. He has made all his fans happy since day one. His music and loving nature has endeared us all. He has gone out of his way by letting us know how he appreciates us fans. His music alone is a gift beyond compare. This is just another fabulous journey David will be on. We’ll be right here waiting for him when he returns.
supergrandjudie(Quote)
I’ll be waiting with you ♥
janey(Quote)
I love this line the most. ♥ “I suspect that’s why it’s so difficult to say, “see you later, David” even if we support his decision completely.”
Ally™(Quote)
Thanks, Ally. Btw, your piece on David’s announcement was outstanding.
janey(Quote)
Just wanted to add my Thank you! For the hours you put in supporting David and for this fan base! I have loved being a fan of David for the past 4 years and plan on staying on this ride! So many memories and more to come!
Glad David has been able to fulfill his goals and dreams. I know he would always regret not going…so we will support him and wear out his CDs for the next 2 years!
I am also in awe of how giving he has been and even through this…he has been thinking of what he can give to his fans while he is gone. There is nobody like David.
Connie(Quote)
You’re very welcome ♥
janey(Quote)
“I’m really glad David understands that the example he sets is watched by many. He seems to accept the responsibility graciously.”
Oh, Janey… You have encapsulated a mystery. Talent, charisma, a lovely face, even good intent: none of these reach the heights or depths that the kind of responsibility you have touched on demands of a person. That he is willing to shoulder that, that it is an integral part of who he is – just be being true to himself – this is a maturity that allows him the freedom to be a child, to be open and at ease with others. And because this strength he absolutely knows comes not from him, but some source much stronger that he trusts, he feels anchored and compassed.
I believe we feel that anchor and hold on to it as well as we are blown by the gales of emotion he rides in song. Always a new and thrilling ride. Always safe.
Thank you for your lovely words.
always,
bluesky
bluesky(Quote)
Bluesky, thank you for your lovely words! Sorry for the late response, I just happened upon your comment this evening. Maybe in a few weeks I’ll design a post around your comment and we can all discuss this further.
janey(Quote)
Janey: ^_^
Hugs to you, miss Janey!
bluesky(Quote)